There is nothing more annoying then replacing batteries in a device only to figure out you put them in the wrong way. A new Microsoft technology called InstaLoad hopes to make that problem a thing of the past. InstaLoad allows a device to receive power from a battery regardless of the way it is inserted. Devices which are being targeted for the technology include flashlights, toys, battery chargers, lighting, and any other device which uses off-the-shelf batteries including CR123, AA, AAA, C or D size batteries whether disposable or rechargeable. Similar barrel-type batteries would also work with the technology.

InstaLoad consists of specially designed contacts which allow the battery to interface with the contact regardless of the way the battery is inserted. The battery still receives the proper polarity thanks to PCB traces which ensures the positive and negative charges of the battery are properly routed through the device.

The technology will not only be used in Microsoft Hardware devices, but will also be available for use by other electronic manufacturers through a license program. In addition to receiving rights to include InstaLoad in devices, licensees will also receive the right to use the InstaLoad trademark on any product which uses the technology.

Besides a traditional license program Microsoft will also have a royalty-free license program for accessibility products. Products which will be free to utilize the technology at no cost to manufacturers include those designed for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities.

I can almost hear parents around the world rejoicing over the notion that they won’t have to try to read small battery diagrams on game controllers or toys anymore, ensuring that when they replace batteries they are putting them in the right way. Some people may be confused why Microsoft of all companies would be introducing such a technology. The answer is obvious when you consider Microsoft Hardware makes keyboards, mice and game controllers which are big consumers of batteries.

It was a nice touch that Microsoft decided to offer a royalty-free licensing program for products designed for people with hearing, vision or learning disabilities. It is these consumers who will probably benefit the most from the InstaLoad technology. It would have been unfortunate if they were forced to pay more for products to gain access to InstaLoad since a paid license to use the technology would add cost to a device.

Reader Comments

And now I’m going to spend the rest of the Holiday weekend kicking myself for not thinking of this first.

Adam

Of course this will only work on single battery contacts. If a device needs to stack batteries, for instance in a flashlight, you still have to go “old school” and read the proper orientation.

But for the vast majority of single and double batter devices, it is a great idea.

paco

Wow, they spend hundreds of millions on R&D and come up with this.

http://www.cubecheck.com/ eagle747

I noticed the same problem as Adam. This does not seem to solve the problem when you have batteries in series. I can’t believe this isn’t already done for single load batteries though. I thing we have all wondered about that.

mbcls

i’m sure it wont work on current device!
you need to have this “standard” on the device for it to work!
why not just change the shape of AA/AAA/C/D and it only fits 1 way!, just like batteries for phones, laptop, it only fits 1 way!

Adam and Eagle747, the traces connecting the various pieces can easily be setup to ensure that no matter what the orientation the desired series or parallel wiring can be ensured. In other words if you want serial, then the center-post (+) on one slot would be to the body-outer (-) on the next slot… and VICE versa.